Religious Leaders Encourage Akhilesh Yadav to Visit Ram Temple During Ayodhya Trip

Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is set to visit Ayodhya, and local religious leaders are encouraging him to make a pilgrimage to the Ram Temple during his stay.

Jagatguru Paramhans Acharya, Peethadhishwar of Tapasvi Chhawni, expressed hope that Yadav would pay respects at the Ram Mandir. He pointed out that after Yadav raised concerns over a recent financial irregularity, he claimed divine insight from Lord Ram. Paramhans Acharya stated, "He must touch Lord Ram's feet. If he doesn’t, it will send a message that he wants to demean Sanatan Dharma."

Devesh Acharya, a priest at Hanumangarhi, also welcomed Yadav’s visit and emphasized the importance of his trip to the Ram Temple. He remarked that since Yadav is attending a religious event, he should bring his family along to seek Lord Ram’s blessings. Devesh Acharya added, "He must apologise to Lord Ram for coming late. If he doesn’t, it will reflect his party’s anti-Sanatan ideology. Returning without doing darshan would be highly unfortunate for Akhilesh Yadav and his party."

Yadav’s visit to Ayodhya is scheduled for October 8, where he will attend the concluding session of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, organized by former MLA and SP leader Tej Narayan Pandey. The gathering is expected to draw many attendees, and Yadav will reportedly spend about an hour at the event held in Krishnaapur-Khanpur Rasoolabad, where he is anticipated to offer prayers and interact with the devotees.

This trip coincides with an important period for the SP, as political activities intensify in preparation for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party has already announced its candidate for the Ayodhya Assembly seat, Tej Narayan Pandey, known as Pawan Pandey.

Source

Original IANS report

Edited with AI assistance.

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